Surname Dictionary

Kenny

Very numerous: all areas, especially Galway. Ir. Ó Cionaoith, a number of septs, the chief being of Uí Maine (Galway). There was also an English family Kenny which became established in Galway in 17 cent, so all Galway Kennys are not necessarily of the Uí Maine. Elsewhere the name can stand for Mac Cionnaoith, Ó Coinne, Ó Coinnigh, Mac Giolla Choinnigh.MacLysaght examines this in detail in IF. See also SGG.